Tech Tool: Primary Source Analysis & Annotation with ThingLink

ThingLink is an online tool that allows you to layer images and videos with text, web links, and other media files. Most digitized primary sources from the Library of Congress, including most text documents, are saved as image files so ThingLink is a great tool for analyzing and annotating primary sources directly on the sources themselves.

ThingLink is really easy to use. Check it out yourself by watching this YouTube video tutorial created by Dierdre Shetler for Cartwright School District in Arizona.

Another great thing about ThingLink is that it’s free for teachers and premium plans are available for a relatively low yearly fee. Check out the options for teachers and schools and the ThingLink Education Blog for more ideas and help using the tool.

For some examples of using ThingLink with primary sources, click the links below.

• Tip of the Week: Thinglink and document analysis by Glenn Wiebe on History Tech
• Hitler thumbs his nose at European leaders from Ilja van Weringh
• Integrating Technology: Linking Primary Sources to Literature

More ThingLink resources

• 65+ Ways to Use ThingLink In Your Classroom by Donna Baumbach via Free Technology for Teachers
• Create Interactive Videos On ThingLink Video by Richard Bryne on Free Technology for Teachers
• Four Ways to Think About Using ThingLink by Shawn McCusker of EdTechTeacher.org via Free Technology for Teachers
• How to Enable Collaboration on Thinglink Interactive Images by Richard Bryne on Free Technology for Teachers